Tokyo eSIM Guide: Providers Comparison, Usage & More

eSIMs make travel easier, removing the trouble of handling physical SIM cards and the risk of losing them. The market for eSIMs in Japan, including Tokyo, is growing, offering many options from local and global providers. This article will help you pick the best Japan eSIM for your visit to Tokyo and other cities in Japan. We have tested various eSIMs and will guide you through choosing the best one for your needs. Keep reading to find out more about Tokyo eSIMs and Japanese eSIMs, their benefits, and how to get them set up on your device.

Popular eSim Plans in Tokyo, Japan

What is an eSIM exactly?

An eSIM is a type of SIM card that is built into your device digitally and doesn’t need a physical card. You can start using a mobile data plan from another country easily by scanning a QR code online.

How Does a Tokyo eSIM Work?

A Tokyo eSIM works like a regular SIM card but is all digital. You use a QR code from your service provider to set it up, which lets you use the internet and make calls as usual.

eSIMs can have more than one phone number and network at the same time. This is very useful for travelers because it saves money and you don’t need to change your phone number.

Many new phones, including latest iPhones and Androids, now all work with eSIMs. See how to activate eSIM Here.

Which Works Better in Tokyo, Japan? eSIM, SIM card, or Wi-Fi router

Best Japan eSIM Providers for Tokyo Travel

When it comes to finding the best eSIM providers for Tokyo, a few standout options offer excellent coverage and convenience. Providers like Trip.com, Airalo, Ubigi, and Mobal offer reliable eSIM services that work so well in Tokyo. When comparing the best eSIM providers for Tokyo, Trip.com's eSIM Japan stands out as an excellent choice. Offering fast, cheapest, and the most diverse data options tailored for various durations, Trip.com provides an ideal solution for travelers exploring Tokyo and beyond in Japan.

Trip.com Japan eSIM

Trip.com's Japan eSIM offers a range of cheap & fast data plans ideal for those visiting Japan, especially Tokyo. These plans provide reliable connections across the country, including major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto. Each plan is priced consistently and designed carefully to meet different travel requirements, with guaranteed uniform service throughout Japan.

When you choose any of Trip.com's Japan eSIM packages, which vary from daily high-speed data to extensive monthly plans, you receive a QR code quickly. This makes the setup process fast and easy, helping you get connected in just a few minutes—perfect for activating your eSIM while you wait for your luggage at the airport.

The plans offered by Japan eSIM vary in duration from one day up to 30 days, with data allowances ranging from 500MB to unlimited. Pricing starts at just $0.93 for a one-day 500MB plan and goes up to $44.64 for a 30-day unlimited data plan, providing affordable options for every traveler. Running on a strong 4G LTE network, the eSIM ensures reliable internet everywhere in Japan, making it great for navigation and streaming activities without interruptions.

Mobal Japan eSIM

Mobal, a popular provider in Japan, offers several eSIM options. Their data-only eSIMs range from 1GB over 8 days for about $12.29 USD to a 100GB plan for 31 days at about $51.20 USD. They also have a voice and data SIM option. Mobal uses Docomo's network which covers the entire country with 4G LTE, so there's no roaming. Activation of these data SIMs takes around 15 minutes. After ordering, you receive an email with a link, and then you have to wait another 10 minutes for your eSIM QR code, which can feel a bit slow.

Mobal's speeds average at 24.76Mbps. The speed is so low compared with other eSIM providers. Considering the price, the value could be better compared to other services. They offer a voice + data eSIM starting at an initial cost of about $19.01 USD, with monthly plans ranging from about $10.56 USD for 1GB to about $28.02 USD for 30GB. There are no contracts or cancellation fees, which is beneficial. This option also provides voice line, which is a plus.

Note: The voice + data eSIM can't be emailed due to Japanese regulations. You must have the access code mailed to an overseas address or pick it up in Japan. You need to apply in advance, provide ID, and wait for delivery.

Airalo Japan eSIM

Airalo partners with SoftBank, one of Japan's leading carriers, to offer eSIMs under the "Moshi Moshi" series, available for durations ranging from 7 to 30 days. While their services generally provide stable and reliable connectivity throughout Japan, there are some drawbacks. For example, the 7-day plan only offers 1GB of data for $4.50, which may not meet the needs of users with higher data consumption. The more extensive 30-day plan offers up to 20GB but costs $26.00, which might be expensive for some.

Obtaining an Airalo eSIM is quite easy just like any other eSIM provides. For instance, purchasing the 2GB/15-day plan allows quick access to the eSIM QR code, enabling activation within about 15 minutes. However, registration is required, which can be a hassle for those looking for immediate use without needing to provide personal details or additional verification.

In performance tests, Airalo's eSIMs show strong results with impressive download speeds that support quick webpage access and smooth video streaming on platforms like YouTube. However, for users requiring significant amounts of data, the data plan like 1GB for 7 days can be so insufficient and costly, especially for the higher data packages. This makes Airalo a good but not perfect choice, particularly for those who prioritize data availability over cost.

Ubigi Japan eSIM

Ubigi serves as a global eSIM provider, extending its services to over 200 destinations worldwide. While relatively new to Japan's eSIM market, Ubigi presents a range of plans designed to meet diverse travel needs. From daily options offering 500MB of data at approximately $2.57 USD to more extensive month-long packages providing up to 50GB for about $64.02 USD, Ubigi aims to accommodate various user requirements.

Partnering with NTT Docomo ensures expansive and reliable network coverage across Japan, supported by Transatel, a subsidiary of NTT. However, despite these conveniences, users may encounter limitations in terms of data allowances and pricing, which could impact their overall experience with Ubigi's services.

However, despite its broad coverage and varied offerings, Ubigi's plans may have some drawbacks. For instance, the daily plan's 500MB data allowance may not suffice for users with higher data needs, while the 50GB monthly plan could be relatively expensive compared to other providers in the market. In performance evaluations, the 3GB Ubigi eSIM demonstrated dependable connectivity, with average data speeds reaching 73.72Mbps. The speed is quite fast but the price is not so friendly.

Sakura Mobile

Sakura Mobile is another option for visitors to Japan, popular among both short and long-term stays. They also offer eSIMs with prices based on the duration of stay (up to 90 days) and data usage. Their cheapest option is a 3-day, 1GB eSIM for $17.96. Sakura Mobile uses Docomo as their main provider, ensuring good coverage throughout Japan. Activation is simple, with customers receiving a QR code via email. Despite being more expensive, Sakura Mobile had the slowest performance among the eSIMs tested, with an average download speed of only 7.9Mbps.

How We Tested each Japan eSIM for Tokyo

Testing Process

To enhance the accuracy of our findings, we revisited the evaluation for a subset of eSIMs at an alternate location in Tokyo on a subsequent day. This step was particularly crucial for a provider that exhibited significant performance changes between the initial and follow-up tests.

How to Use Japan eSIM?

If my phone support eSIM?

Please check if your phone can be used with eSIM before purchasing an eSIM product. Check eSIM Compatibility.

How to download?

1. Open the eSIM activation email.
2. Displayed in the email is the eSIM activation QR code.
3. On your mobile phone:
• a. For iOS: Click Settings > Cellular.
• b. For Android: Click SIM Card Management.

1. Add a Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android) and agree to download.
2. Use your phone to scan the QR code to download.

How to use Internet?

1. After successful download, close the primary card if already in use.
2. Enable the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android). The LTE logo will display in the upper right corner upon success.
3. Turn on roaming to connect to the network and surf the Internet.
4. If there's no network after enabling, turn on airplane mode, then turn off or restart the phone.

How to close?

1. Open Cellular (iOS) or SIM Card Management (Android).
2. Click to turn off the Cellular Plan (iOS) or SIM Card (Android). (Enabling and disabling follow the same steps.)

Japan eSIM Compatible Device

Please check if your phone can be used with eSIM before purchasing an eSIM product.

iOS Users

• Find EID in Settings > General > About this phone. If not found, eSIM is not available.

Android Users:

1. Open Settings > About phone.
2. Check the SIM status (or status information).
3. Find the EID.

Or

1. Type in "Call": *#06#.
2. Check the "EID".

If EID is not found, you may not be able to use eSIM.

Benefits of Japan eSIM for Tokyo Travel

1. Immediate Connectivity: eSIM allows instant internet access upon arrival, eliminating the need to purchase a SIM card at the airport or wait for pre-ordered ones. This facilitates efficient travel arrangements like booking taxis or navigating to your hotel.
2. Risk-Free: Unlike traditional SIM cards prone to loss or damage, eSIMs eliminate physical handling, ensuring peace of mind during travel. There's no need to worry about SIM tray manipulation or accidental damage.
3. Dual SIM Capability: With eSIM, you can enjoy dual SIM functionality, enabling the use of two networks on a single device. This simplifies network switching between Japan and overseas, streamlining connectivity during international travel.

Disadvantages of Japan eSIM for Tokyo Travel

1. Limited Device Compatibility: Not all devices support eSIM, necessitating verification of compatibility and potential additional costs for upgrading devices.
2. Single Device Limitation: Unlike traditional SIM cards, eSIMs are tied to specific devices, making it challenging to switch between multiple devices conveniently.
3. Lack of Phone Number Provision: Some eSIM data plans may not include a unique phone number or may require extra charges. This can be inconvenient for tasks requiring a local phone number, like making reservations or contacting hotels.